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Day 1 - Welcome to Camp

Parents who drop their camper off by car will have an opportunity to meet our guides and program directors. Campers arriving by plane will be met at the Asheville, NC (AVL) airport and transported to camp (no additional charge).

Afternoon programs will include team building activities and group games like volleyball, tether ball and Ultimate Frisbee. After a hamburger cook-out, there will be an orientation and camp-fire program, followed by hot showers and our first camp out.

Day 2 - Day Hike and Rafting: Lower Nolichucky River (class 1-2)

Today is an opportunity for campers and guides to get to know one another better.

After a continental breakfast, we'll go for a hike in the mountains, where we will learn the basics of keeping the group together, what to do if separated from the group, route finding and low impact, Leave No Trace ethics and techniques for the backcountry.

After lunch at base camp, we'll go rafting on a 6-mile section of the class 1-2 Lower Nolichucky River, right in front of Camp. Beauty and history abound in this area - it's Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett country! Imagine a relaxed rafting trip with time to swim, a chance to see Blue Herons and spectacular rock formations along the way! The Lower Nolichucky (class 1-2) is a great introduction to rafting. Campers will learn to crew their raft, as well as the basics of whitewater terminology, river dynamics and hydrology, paddling basics and simple, self-rescue technique.

After a hot dinner at Camp, we will play group games, followed by a campfire program, hot showers and camping.

Day 3 - Rafting on the Watauga River (class 1-2)

Today we'll learn to paddle "duckies" on a 5-mile section of the class 1-2 Watauga River. "Duckies" are individually paddled, sit on top, inflatable kayaks that are paddled with a double bladed kayak paddle. The Watauga River is a float trip below Wilbur Dam and an excellent river to learn how to paddle duckies, read rapids, eddy out, ferry, surf, self rescue, swim in rapids and the basics of trip dynamics and communication with fellow paddlers and trip leaders. We will paddle through scenic farms with mountain views above the historic town of Elizabethton. There will be one class 2 rapid - the famous Anaconda! The Watauga River is dam controlled, which means there is consistent water flows every day throughout the summer.

After a fun day on the Watauga river we will go for a swim, followed by a cookout and campfire program in the high mountains with awesome views. We will then head for base camp for hot showers and a little rest and relaxation and camping.

Day 4 - Whitewater Rafting: French Broad River (class 2-3)

We'll depart camp for a whitewater rafting trip on the French Broad River, through the heart of Pisgah National Forest. The French Broad is older than the mountains in which it now finds itself and is the third oldest river in the world! During our rafting trip, we will take the leap at JUMP ROCK into a deep pool, swim at Swimmers Rapid and surf a few holes and rapids!

Campers may choose guided rafts or self-paddled duckies on the French Broad River, which will challenge us with many class 2-3 rapids, like the Slide, the Maze, Sandy Bottom, S-Turn, Pin Ball and Ledges!

After rafting, we'll head to the area of Black Balsam Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains for primitive camping. This area was ranked # 2 in the US for Big Alpine Views by Backpacker Magazine. We will camp at elevations exceeding 5500 feet. These treeless mountaintops draw people from afar due to their sweeping views and alpine-like appearance. Rows and rows of smoky blue mountains spread out before our eyes. It really feels as if we're on top of the world. Here we will learn how to build tarp shelters and cook pita pizzas over camp stoves. Group discussions for the evening will focus on processing the day's activity.

Days 5 - Whitewater Rafting: Nantahala River (class 2-3)

The Nantahala is the Southeast's most popular river and here campers will learn to guide the raft with the assistance of their guide and crew! Over thousands of years, the swift currents of the Nantahala River have slowly carved an incredible gorge in the mountains of western North Carolina. Winding eight miles through a lush gorge, the clear waters of the Nantahala offer plenty of practice on Class II rapids before culminating in the exciting Class III Nantahala Falls. We will have a riverside lunch at a picnic spot along the river.

After hot showers, late in the afternoon we will again camp high in the mountains, where we will have a delicious dinner that we prepare ourselves and tell stories around the campfire.

Day 6 - Whitewater Rafting: Nolichucky River Gorge (class 3-4)

We're off for an exciting 9 mile whitewater rafting trip on the Nolichucky River! The Nolichucky River is a major stream draining the South's Deepest River Gorge - 3,000 feet. The headwaters and tributaries of this powerful river begin on the slopes of Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain on the entire east coast. From there the river rushes along the boarder of North Carolina and Tennessee through a raucous gorge rimmed with beautiful cliffs and flowery rhododendron.

With over 25 named Adventure Class II-IV rapids, the Nolichucky River Gorge is truly one of the most spectacular whitewater rafting journeys in the southeast. Rafting is fully guided.

After rafting, we'll have hot showers and a final FRIENDSHIP BANQUET, camp fire and story telling!

Day 7 - Home!

Depart 9-10 AM from camp on the Nolichucky River. Campers flying from Asheville, NC should schedule a morning flight (after 8 AM but before 1:00 PM). 

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